Our Club Patron - Jamie Staff

Our Club Patron at SABFC is local sporting sensation JAMIE STAFF. Raised in Brabourne Lees, Jamie went to school at Smeeth School and then The North School in Ashford. As a youngster, Jamie took up BMX racing. His potential was soon realised and he quickly moved through the local and regional ranks to National and International competitions. As a youngster at the same time, I watched in awe as modest Jamie soon established himself as British number one and quickly built a reputation to be envied.  Much like any sport, Jamie's success was a result of a lot of hard work and dedication, this being from himself and of course his family. As many parents find, weekends can disappear in a haze of travelling and ever changing venues. This was the same for Jamie's parents and sister. However, the hard work was worth it when Jamie became the World number one and dominated the scene over a period of time.

Following a spell as a pro rider in America, fully sponsored and making the most of his hard work, Jamie switched codes and took to velodrome track cycling. His raw power and determination was perfectly suited to this explosive sport and he soon became a permanent and valued member of the GB team. Regularly leading out Chris Hoy in the team sprint races, Jamie was determined to achieve his ultimate aim - Olympic medals. Following a frustrating and contentious campaign in Athens 2004, Jamie set about the most intensive four years of his sporting life. Everything that he and the team did, was geared towards the perfect performance in Beijing. Training, diet, competitions; everything was measured and calculated for that one moment. Personal sacrifices had to be made, difficult decisions only made possible by the support of his wife and young children. Total commitment.

So in 2008, thousands of miles away, in China. Weeks apart from his family., his moment came. Effectively four years work would come down to how things went - in just one minute. In a quite blistering set of races, Jamie led Jason Kenny and Chris Hoy around the track. At times, they struggled to keep up! But they managed it and in getting to the Olympic final, set a World Record. Jamie had become one of the fastest men on the planet around the track from a standing start. Then came the race that all the hard work had been for. The Olympic final. It was another unbelievable performance by the team who put every part of their planning and preparation into those few (very long) minutes.

Over twenty years after dragging his family all over the country to race his BMX, Jamie stood on the top step of the podium, wearing Gold, a World Record holder and cycling legend.

We are very proud that Jamie has become a part of our club, as Patron and sponsor of our under 9s team. He is the perfect example to our players as to what can be achieved if you really want to make it happen. We may not ALL become gold medallists or World Champions, but with inspiration such as his, it wont be for the want of trying !!

Richard. SABFC Chairman